| Krav Maga training is part of the standard training for | | | | system of “whatever works.” If during training, |
| the Israeli Army. This is for good reason – it works | | | | you don’t follow the drill precisely but you happen |
| in real combat situations. This is especially important for | | | | on a better technique, you don’t get slapped on the |
| such a volatile place in the world as the Middle East. | | | | head by your teacher. You will be encouraged to |
| | | | | develop it more. |
| Krav Maga began as street fighting skills developed by | | | | |
| Imi Litchenfeld. A professional boxer and wrestler, Mr. | | | | Another great thing about Krav Maga is that one of its |
| Litchenfeld found himself in the midst of some | | | | defining points is “bursting.” That is, why just |
| anti-Semitic activity in the Jewish quarter of Bratislava | | | | defend yourself from an attack when you can strike |
| in the 1930’s. Later, in the 1940’s when he | | | | back? Most opponents leave huge openings in their |
| emigrated to the newly-found nation of Israel, he | | | | defenses when they attack, and Krav Maga teaches |
| became the primary instructor of the Israeli Defense | | | | you to take advantage of them. |
| Force. And so, Krav Maga became standard training | | | | |
| for the Israeli military. | | | | As an example, when you’re being punched at, |
| | | | | there is a whole side of ribs, nerve endings and |
| Krav Maga is one of the most no-nonsense | | | | kidneys that your opponent exposes. Of course, |
| approaches to close combat out there. Because of | | | | dodge or parry the punch, but with your other hand, |
| the Biblical scale hatred between the Israelis and the | | | | attack one of these sweet spots while you’re at it. |
| Islamic nations, there could be no room for quarter in | | | | |
| fighting techniques. It HAS TO work on a sheer | | | | The only problem with Krav Maga is that there are |
| survival level. | | | | some movements that have to be learned to the point |
| | | | | of muscle memory. The ideal system would use |
| Consequently, there is nothing flashy about Krav Maga. | | | | movements and attacks that are already logged into |
| They don’t teach you to fight fair. It truly is a | | | | muscle memory. |